Manchester United have received a boost in their pursuit of long-term transfer target Ilkay Gundogan.

Juventus have ruled out bidding for the 25-year-old midfielder, who has just 18 months left on his contract at Borussia Dortmund.

Juve chief Giuseppe Marotta told German newspaper Bild : "Gundogan is a name we have not mentioned in relation to the winter transfer market.

"I do not think Borussia Dortmund want to sell the player. Why should we rely on Gundogan, when we have midfielders such as Claudio Marchisio?"

That would appear to leave United with a clear path to Gundogan, should he decide against extending his contract at Dortmund.

Shock Hazard swoop

Shock swoop: Could these two soon be linking up at Old Trafford? (Image: Alex Livesey)

Manchester United are planning a £65million bid for unsettled Chelsea winger Eden Hazard, according to reports.

The Daily Star claim United have turned their attention to Hazard after Real Madrid told them they had no chance of signing Gareth Bale.

A United source told the Daily Star: “The club has to be realistic and realise that signing Gareth Bale or Cristiano Ronaldo remains a long shot, which means alternative targets come into the equation.

“Eden Hazard is certainly one of those and the type of player United need if they want to start winning trophies again.”

Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in the Belgium star.